Eva Josephine Durflinger, 97, passed away on September 24, 2026. She was born on March 25, 1929, in Williams, Thayer County, Nebraska, to George M. Otten and Edna Velma Gaston Otten. She grew up on farms around Williams, Gladstone, and Alexandria, Nebraska.

After the passing of her mother in 1942, Eva helped raise her four younger siblings, Dale, Mable, Mary, and Charles. She attended country school and graduated from Alexandria High School in May 1946.

Eva met and married Darrell Alwin Durflinger on August 28, 1946, in Belleville, Kansas. Together, they built a life and family on the farm. They welcomed their daughter, Linda Kay, in August 1946. Linda passed away in December 1962 following heart surgery in Omaha, Nebraska. Their daughter, Joyce Elaine, was born in 1950, followed by their son, Gary Lynn, in April 1954. Gary passed away in August 2006 after battling cancer.

Eva worked hard throughout her life. On the family farm, they operated a Grade B dairy, raised and butchered chickens, and grew a large garden from which Eva canned food for her family.

In or around 1968, Eva began working for Lollies and later worked at Swingsters Sewing. She retired in 1992 to stay home and care for her husband, Darrell, until his passing in March 1995.

Eva then helped at the home of June Vinkenburg in the mornings and evenings. She eventually began managing Mustang Sally’s for Charlotte and Tom Stevenson, where she continued working until her retirement in June 2007.

Later in life, Eva sold her home in Alexandria and moved to an apartment in Fairbury. She eventually made her home at Cedarwood Assisted Living in Fairbury and spent her final days at Heritage Nursing Home in Fairbury.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents, George M. Otten and Edna Velma Gaston Otten; her husband, Darrell Alwin Durflinger; her daughter, Linda Kay; and her son, Gary Lynn.

She leaves behind her daughter, Joyce Elaine, eight grandchildren, and many other family members and friends who will carry her memory with them.

Eva’s life was one marked by hard work, devotion to family, and a caring heart for others. From helping raise her younger siblings at a young age, to raising her own family, working on the farm, and continuing to work and help others throughout her life, Eva gave much of herself to the people around her. Her long life and the memories she created will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.